Winter in the UK can be as beautiful as it is challenging for our gardens. Frosty mornings, heavy rain, and the occasional snow shower all take their toll on plants, paving, and outdoor structures. But with a little preparation and the right materials, you can protect your garden and keep it looking its best until spring.
At Corker, we believe a garden should be enjoyed year-round, and a few smart steps now will save you time, money, and hard work later. Here’s our guide to winter-proofing your outdoor space so it weathers the cold in style.
Protect Your Plants with Mulch
Mulch is your garden’s winter coat. A thick layer of organic mulch insulates roots, locks in warmth, and prevents soil from drying out during cold winds. It also helps reduce frost damage and suppresses weeds before they get a chance to grow.
For the best results, we recommend peat-free green compost, screened to 10 mm, available from our Green Compost. It’s rich in nutrients, improves soil structure, and holds moisture without becoming waterlogged.
For a more decorative finish that also retains moisture, try Play Bark or Ornamental Bark from our Bark collection. They not only protect plant roots from frost but also give beds and borders a neat, well-kept look through the colder months.
Maintain Your Drainage Systems
Heavy winter rain can quickly lead to waterlogged lawns, flooded borders, and even damage to paving if your drainage isn’t up to scratch. Before the worst weather arrives, clear out channel drains and gutter downpipes to keep water flowing freely.
If your garden’s prone to pooling water, top up gravel in French drains or check perforated drainage pipes for blockages. Adding fresh pea shingle around drain inlets helps filter debris and prevents clogs.
Stock Up on Winter Landscaping Essentials
A few well-chosen materials make it easier to stay on top of winter maintenance. Keep grit bins or sealed tubs handy for icy mornings. Have a supply of landscaping fabric to quickly cover raised beds if a harsh frost is forecast. And if you’re planting bare-root trees or shrubs this winter, mix in some peat-free compost for the best start.
Adding outdoor lighting can also make the garden more inviting on short days, helping you enjoy it even when the sun sets early.
Bringing It All Together
Preparing your garden for winter doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right protection for plants, good drainage maintenance, durable surface treatments, and a few seasonal essentials from Corker, you can keep your outdoor space safe, healthy, and ready to burst back into life come spring.
Pop into Corker and we’ll help you choose everything from frost-fighting mulches to paving joint mortars, so your garden stays as inviting in January as it is in June.
Why Winter Preparation Matters
Cold temperature, frost, and fluctuating weather conditions can damage soil health, kill tender plants, and weaken perennials. Preparing your garden for winter helps:
- Protect plants from frost and freezing temperatures
- Improve soil quality for spring planting
- Prevent pests and diseases from overwintering
- Extend the life of garden tools and structures
- Save time and money when the new season begins